JOB SUMMARY

The Data and Evaluation Specialist leads the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of data, evaluation, and reporting systems for the Office of African American Health (OAAH). The Data and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for designing and managing performance measurement frameworks that support the Office’s mission to improve health outcomes for African Americans in Minnesota. This role includes leading the development of a performance measurement system that includes identification of health indicators and performance metrics that support measurement and reporting on OAAH goals and objectives, managing data governance and analysis projects, developing evaluation strategies to evaluate health equity outcomes, coordinating data initiatives, and implementing culturally responsive approaches to data collection, interpretation, and dissemination. This role supports the Office’s statutory mandates to monitor and improve health outcomes for African American populations in Minnesota.

THIS VACANCY IS BEING ANNOUNCED AT TWO DIFFERENT JOB CLASSIFICATION LEVELS: RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2 AND RESEARCH SCIENTIST 3. ONLY ONE POSITION WILL BE FILLED AND THE FINAL JOB CLASSIFICATION OF THE POSITION WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON THE SELECTED CANDIDATES’ QUALIFICATIONS.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota or in counties bordering Minnesota in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out of one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following minimum qualifications must be clearly indicated in the applicant’s resume/application to be considered for this vacancy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ASSESSED AT INTERVIEW:

• Knowledge of public health principles, equity-focused research methodologies, and the structural, social and historical determinants of African American Health in Minnesota.
• Proficiency in statistical and data visualization tools such as R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms, with the ability to develop complex, interactive dashboards and analytic models.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgement, uphold stringent data privacy and confidential standards, and address ethical considerations in data and evaluation work.
• Ability to produce clear, accessible data reports, dashboards, and visualizations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced skill in applying culturally responsive and community-driven evaluation methods, as well as building evaluation capacity among staff, grantees and partners.
• Experience providing technical leadership for legislative reporting processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining methodological rigor and cultural relevance.
• Expertise in translating complex datasets and technical findings into clear, actionable reports, briefings, and visualizations for audiences ranging from policymakers to community members.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex information in a culturally relevant, transparent, and equity-centered manner.
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables across internal teams and external partners.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass an employment reference check and background check.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.